She wrinkled her brow. “Well, if you didn’t have me as your Realtor, I’d have to say a few months? The seller tends to procrastinate.”
My stomach sank. “Oh. I don’t think that would work. The build-out of the clinic will already take months. I need to get back into my own space ASAP.” I wasn’t sure how much longer River and I could coexist. Things were deteriorating quickly. “I hoped to find somewhere where I could move in quicker.”
Instead of looking disappointed at my reaction, Mrs. Numi grinned. “Did you not hear the part aboutmebeing your Realtor?”
Feeling confused, I blinked at her.
“I’m good at what I do, Dr. Thornton.”
I held out my hands in a placating motion. “I know that, Mrs. Numi. I didn’t mean to imply otherwise. It’s just, my schedule is very tight.”
“Yes. I understand that.” She scrolled through her phone as she spoke. “What you don’t know is that I’m very tight with the seller. I’m positive I can get you the property in question and have the deal sealed by the end of this month.”
“Really?” I asked skeptically.
“Yes indeedy.”
“Oh. Uh… but I haven’t even seen this property.”
“No you have not, dear.” She gave me a patronizing smile. “How about I take you over there now?”
“Now?”
“I believe you stressed time is of the essence?”
Feeling flustered, I stammered, “Is… this… is this another business park?”
She shook her head. “Goodness, no.”
“Okay.” Well, that was good, at least. “What kind of property is it?”
She held up one silencing finger, pressing her phone to her ear. “Hello, Reginald? It’s Mrs. Numi.” She laughed gaily at something the person on the other end of the line said. “I want to bring someone by to meet you. Are you home this evening? Excellent. We’ll be right over.” She hung up. “It’s all set. Follow me in your car.”
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.” She gave a secretive little smile. “Oh, you’re gonna love me by the end of this, Dr. Thornton.”
“Uh… okay.” I followed her out of the space and hurried to my car. I wasn’t sure how to feel about how mysterious she was being. I didn’t love surprises.
She was in her car and pulling away down the road before I even had the key in the ignition. I started the engine and pulled out onto the highway, my tires screeching a little. I winced and pressed the gas so that I didn’t lose her.
Mrs. Numi drove down Main Street in the direction of Royce’s house. I was glad she hadn’t headed to the outskirts of town. I was hoping to have my clinic more in the center of things this time around. I’d enjoyed the privacy of where my other practice had been, but it would be more convenient to actually be in town.
At one point, she turned off the main road and down a short driveway. She parked in the circular driveway of a two-story building. The structure had an illuminated sign that read Johnson’s Dentistry.
Mrs. Numi climbed out of her vehicle and indicated she wanted me to park behind her. I did that and got out of my car, staring up at the redbrick building. Dormant vines of wisteria covered the face of the building, and the front yard had several mature oak trees. Glancing around, I appreciated how private it was. It was a huge lot, possibly even two acres, with most of the land on the side and back of the building.
“I had no idea this was here,” I murmured.
She smiled. “It’s a bit hidden. It wouldn’t do for a retail shop, but for a destination business, it’s perfect.”
“Yes.” I didn’t see a For Sale sign or anything indicating the place was for lease. Then I remembered Mrs. Numi had mentioned the place she wanted to show me wasn’t yet on the market.
“Dr. Johnson is an old friend of mine.” She began walking toward the front door. “Not everyone knows this, but he’s retiring.”
“Okay.” I followed her.
“He’s moving to Florida. His daughter lives there.” She rang the doorbell.
